Getting Ready for a Trip to Costa Rica

Published on: 12 July 2018 Last Updated on: 08 August 2019
Costa Rica

There are few holiday destinations as exciting and adventurous as Costa Rica. This stunning Central American country is coated in the thick rainforest with coastlines on both the Pacific and Caribbean, plus it also has one of the more vibrant capital cities in the world in San Jose. Mainly known for its volcanoes, beaches and stunning natural beauty – this is a magnificent country quite unlike anywhere else in the world.

As such a unique holiday destination, there is a fair amount of information that any traveler needs to be aware of before jetting off on their holiday. Here is all that you need to know so that you can head off and have an adventure of a lifetime:

Language :

Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica, but you will also hear English in the more populous area. It is a wise idea to learn the Spanish basics before visiting to make it easier to get by and show that you are making an effort.

Vaccinations :

Before traveling to Costa Rica it is important that you get a range of vaccinations as recommended by the CDC and WHO. These include typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis, rabies, measles, mumps and rubella, and influenza. It is a misconception that Costa Rica is rampant with Malaria and Zika, but you should always get vaccinated and take out travel insurance before jetting off.

Currency :

Over time, the standard accepted currency in Costa Rica has become US dollars with all hotels and tourist companies quoting their prices in dollars. This is due to the fact that the majority of tourists come from the USA, but Costa Ricans also now have bank accounts, mortgages, etc all in US dollars.

Papers :

It is important that you always carry your papers with you when traveling in Costa Rica as police are legally allowed to stop and ask to see the documentation at any time. This means that you should always carry a color copy of your passport and a photo of your tourist stamp.

Water :

Unlike some places, the tap water is generally safe to drink and especially in the larger cities. Your hotel should indicate whether or not it is safe, but be wary if you are in a rural area and always ask first.

Climate :

It is tropical weather in Costa Rica so it will depend on what time of year you are traveling, but there are also many micro-climates so it is wise to pack for all conditions. Typically, the coasts remain warm but there are areas which can get very cold so always research in advance.

Crime :

Generally speaking, Costa Rica is a very safe place to travel and especially when compared with neighboring countries. As when traveling anywhere new, the best thing to do is be sensible and not to flaunt money or leave possessions unattended.

Driving :

If you plan to rent a car, be cautious as driving here is unlike anywhere in the world with no street signs, very relaxed driving laws and poor driving terrain along with wild drivers.

Costa Rica is a wonderful country quite unlike anywhere else in the world with outstanding natural beauty. As a unique destination, it is important that you are well prepared before setting off in order to make the most out of your trip and the above will help any tourist to have an incredible experience.

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Major Festivals to Visit at Jamaica

Jamaica is at the heart of one of the most vibrant travel destinations in the world. The Caribbean holds all the music and energy that you would ever want in a travel destination. Whether you are looking to let your hair down, or go on the culture tour that takes you out of your comfort zone, Jamaica might be one of the best places to visit. When it comes to festivals in Jamaica, there’s no better way to let go and enjoy yourself. No matter which time of the year you’re angling for, Jamaica villa rentals with staff would have one festival or other. Let’s look at some of the festivals that should be on your list if you’re visiting Jamaica this year. 1. Rebel Salute : A drug-free, violence-free, alcohol-free environment in a music festival? One of my problems with music festivals has always been this culture of violence and partying. However, the biggest reggae festival in the world is completely peaceful, and the perfect place to let go and dance. Held in the Plantation Cove at St. Ann, this festival gives a salute to Reggae legend Tony Rebel and is one of the places which would make you feel great. Pro-tip, this is still the biggest reggae festival in the world. When it starts in the second or third week of January, make you have your villas booked from before, and that you plan your trip out. If you are taking your kids in, know that the ones under 12 years get free tickets, and they’re allowed to go to most places too. 2. Accompong Maroon Festival : If you are planning to let your hair down at Rebel Salute, try out the January 6th celebration by The Maroons. These guys were slaves who got freedom, and even made the British sign a peace treaty, no less than a hundred years before slavery was abolished. The Maroon festival at Accompong celebrates the spirit of the Maroon people and offers delectable local cuisine and festivities without any problem. Enjoy the local festivities and get to know of the local history of the tribe, and of their hero Cudjoe who went ahead and got them the peace treaty back in 1739. Pro-tip, Accompong is a sleepy town, so make sure to have another place as your base and keep this up as a one day trip. 3. Reggae Month : From Rebel Salute to the Reggae Month. The third week of January is what celebrates Tony Rebel, but, the month-long celebration of Reggae music starts on February 6th. Kicking off at the iconic Bob Marley museum on February 6th, this is a decade-old festival that has captured the fantasy of the entire world. Go through the local cuisine, visit the numerous concerts and visit the various parades throughout the towns. You can make sure that Reggae, the spirit is alive. One of the reasons for this fantastic celebration has been to protect the music genre and preserve it for yourself. Throughout the whole month, there are art exhibitions and Rasta flags decorating the streets. 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